Q & A: Chandra Wong

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Chandra Wong still doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up. She has worked as a biologist, a naturalist in an ecological centre, a high school teacher and as a newspaper reporter and photographer.

Although her interests and experiences are very diverse, one thing that has remained consistent throughout her life is her passion for drawing, painting and photography. With her strong commitment to conservation and the environment, it's no wonder that her art focuses largely on nature and landscapes.

Below are photos of two of her works, 'Peace Valley Lookout' and a detail of 'Missing Pieces.' For a closer look, go to her website.

When did you become involved with BC Hydro's engagement initiatives?

I got involved when the Electricity Conservation & Efficiency (EC&E) Advisory Committee was created in 2006.

Who do you represent at the engagement table?

I'm listed as an independent member, but I come to the table with the point of view of a residential user. I might not necessarily be the most typical residential customer, because I think we should be paying more for electricity to help with our conservation initiatives. However, there needs to be a balance in providing affordable electricity for low-income households.

What are your top energy interests?

We need to focus on conservation. For me, a lot of it has to do with the potential Site C dam on the Peace River. It's such a beautiful area with historical significance. The Peace River was a major transportation route for First Nations and Europeans until the 1930s. In 1793, it was travelled by Sir Alexander Mackenzie, a Canadian fur trader and explorer who completed the first overland journey across North America. It was also the site of one of the first European forts in North America, and offers tremendous ecological value.

The farmland along the Peace is equivalent to what you'd find in the Lower Mainland in terms of soil conditions and hours of daylight.

Because of its northerly location, people don't realize what a gem we have, and the impact that's taking place on the land because of energy demands. The Peace River already has two dams that supply about a third of the energy for the province, most of which goes south to the Lower Mainland. I feel it has already done its job by supporting the energy needs of British Columbia.

What engagement initiatives are you currently involved in?

I am in my second term on the EC&E and I also participate in the Strategic Framework Working Group under the broader Committee.

What motivates you to engage with BC Hydro?

I became involved for two reasons: to encourage conservation and to put my money where my mouth is. I believe that no one has the right to complain unless they are doing something to fix the problem.

What strengths do you bring to the engagement table?

I don't deal with energy generation and use on a daily basis, so I'm able to come to the discussion with a fresh eye, and can interpret it from the everyday person's view – that's very valuable.

Do you feel your stakeholder interests are given due consideration?

The process is a slow one so I can't yet see if what I've said has made an impact.

What do you recommend to help BC Hydro become more stakeholder-focused and better able to meet your interests?

There needs to be better communication between BC Hydro and its stakeholders. There are things that BC Hydro staff know about because they deal with the issues every day, but they can't assume that I or other stakeholders know about them. You need to keep people informed. If communication is lax, the process may appear to be secret even if it's not. This can raise concerns about the process.